Could you please help me with my first big problem ( and probably stupid question). How can I recognise fascimile dust jacket from the original one? How can I know it is original and not fascimile without looking on the microscope? I would like to collect and preserve some old Tolkien books but I don't want to be cheated.

New member Lokki had a question in another thread, I am moving it here so it does not get lost. Good question Lokki, and welcome to TCG!

I have not bought any facsimile dustjackets myself, but from information I have gathered from various sources -

There are some "professional" replacements in circulation, and purchasable by the person who prints them up. Those are clearly marked on the flap as a facsimile.

There may be some less-than-honest reprints out there that do not indicate that they are facsimiles. Anyone run across those and have some clues as to how to identify them when seen alone? They will be on different paper stock and ink quality when compared side-by-side, but I think it is a very fair question to ask if they are identifiable when seen alone.

To be honest, I don't see that many auctions/listings out there deliberately trying to defraud you. Even from online photos it's pretty obvious if a set of jackets are facsimile ones, or not e.g. they may be in a condition totally inconsistent with that of the books (i.e. they're in wonderful condition, but the books are battered); or, pretty simply, they are just too clean, or too white. Most sellers mention that jackets are facsimile, even if they do bury this in a footnote to their auction. If they don't mention it, it's mis-selling --& you can pretty easily raise a dispute after paying or receiving anyway. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

BH

Posted on: 2013/10/11 12:25

(edited)

Edited by Khamûl on 2013/10/12 10:25:30Edited by Khamûl on 2013/10/12 10:26:11Edited by Khamûl on 2013/10/12 10:28:52

_________________You drive a hard bargain – you can have it for £10 all-in – one consolation (for you) is that you do not have to hear the cries of my children, for bread...

It looks to me that spotting a fascimile dust jacket is pretty hard thing to do for a beginner like me ( especially if a forger tries to make it look older). As i am starting to build up my own collection I really want to keep and guard Tolkien originals and not get cheated :) I am already reading how to recognise it on light microscope which I have at home and with magnifying lenses, there are some good articles on the net :)However, still researching, so wanted to hear from experts :)

Hi and welcome Some good advice already which i agree with. Once you have seen the real thing the touch and feel is different. The most common copy jackets are for Lord of Rings and Hobbit firsts although there are some for other titles ie Farmer Giles readily available.

This forum is a good source of info and i would say if in doubt ask.

Generally though Khamul is right and it would be costly and timely to reproduce a jacket to a standard to get it by many people. I would say go with your gut, stick to reputable sellers and if its too good a deal think twice.Hope helps - good luck in your purchases